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Is it a financial hardship for you to take them on without being paid? If you need money to get by than I would say no and take on babies with parents who are able to pay? It's admirable of you and I hope they appreciate you and what you are doing for them. 

I know your heart is in the right place, IMO watching, feeding, etc. all these kids is a big detriment to your own finances.  In addition, I think you are going to be doing all these people a favor if they need to provide for their children.  If you are doing all the child care, where it is eating into your own finances...well, I just can't see this as being a really good thing.

If you are set on taking in the one child for no pay, a guess a good compromise in my mind would tell them they need to find a sitter for the infant.  You are doing three things: first, helping yourself financially and Time wise!  second, helping them to raise their  children They brought into this world, and third, not getting taken advantage of time and financially.

It's a sad fact even though we might want to, we cannot save everyone.  Believe me, if you don't watch the children, You are not the reason this family is going to fail.

I think you have a big heart, you also have so much other stuff going on in your life right now. I think your focus should be on your family, your young kids, and your niece that just moved in. That is just soooo much on your plate already, without taking on this couple's issues too. 

I'm pretty sure this couple would qualify for child care assistance, so I don't see why you should watch three young children, every day, full time, for free. Since you watch children, you could get certified as a home childcare provider (maybe you are already?). Then, you could receive some money for all the wonderful things you do for these children. 

Other idea (since you feel a calling and have such a big heart) would be to start a non-profit for young people that need help like this. There is tremendous need for these types of services, so many teen parents need support and guidance.  

One of the best things you could do for this young family is to help guide them through getting the assistance they need. They are working, going to school, trying to do better for their family and there is no shame in them getting assistance. This is a great example of the type of people these programs truly help. Once they are done with school and have gotten on their feet, they won't need it anymore.

I agree with Stacia that while your intentions are wonderful, you have so much going on in your personal life, and your own health, that may be helped by simplifying the other areas of your life.

I forgot to add your health in my original post. You are having health problems and want to lose weight, it seems like you spend all your time giving to others (which is great), yet take no time for yourself. You are important and your family needs you. 

As a teenage bride and mother, I thought that my parents not throwing money at me, helping me out by paying my bills etc.. was horrible and so unfair and just plain wrong. But I realize that was the best thing they could have done.

If this couple is old enough to have three small kids, than they should raise them and support them like everyone else. As long as people do for them and "cut them breaks" that is what they will always expect. I am not saying that they shouldn't have any kind of help, but let them go through channels and get the help from agencies and other sources that can really afford and have the budget to help them.

I agree. In many states you can get licensed easily for childcare under the subsidy program from H&W. You don't have to be an official "daycare provider", private people can qualify, too, especially if you are watching only the children from one family.

But let me also ask ... how many children are you watching? How many under the age of 5? There are safety concerns to keep in mind. At some point, for the good of the children, you have to say no.

And your health. What are these families supposed to do when you're sick?

Lastly, about your niece ... I think she might qualify to receive the child-only TANF grant. Anytime a child is being cared for by a blood relative who isn't their biological parent (your hubby qualifies if you don't), then that child gets the child-only TANF grant from H&W as a "family of one". It would be worth looking into. If nothing else, that qualifies her for the free lunch program at school.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stacia 

I think you have a big heart, you also have so much other stuff going on in your life right now. I think your focus should be on your family, your young kids, and your niece that just moved in. That is just soooo much on your plate already, without taking on this couple's issues too. 

 

I'm pretty sure this couple would qualify for child care assistance, so I don't see why you should watch three young children, every day, full time, for free. Since you watch children, you could get certified as a home childcare provider (maybe you are already?). Then, you could receive some money for all the wonderful things you do for these children. 

 

Other idea (since you feel a calling and have such a big heart) would be to start a non-profit for young people that need help like this. There is tremendous need for these types of services, so many teen parents need support and guidance.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by liamsmom 

One of the best things you could do for this young family is to help guide them through getting the assistance they need. They are working, going to school, trying to do better for their family and there is no shame in them getting assistance. This is a great example of the type of people these programs truly help. Once they are done with school and have gotten on their feet, they won't need it anymore.

 

I agree with Stacia that while your intentions are wonderful, you have so much going on in your personal life, and your own health, that may be helped by simplifying the other areas of your life.

I agree with both of these.  As big of a heart as you have, it must be putting a lot of stress on you and your family.